Gadar 2 review: If you were old enough to watch a movie in 2001, you would clearly remember what a rage 'Gadar' was. A film that was released with Aamir Khan starter 'Lagaan' and became a bigger hit than it. Watching Tara Singh (Sunny Deol) and Sakeena (Ameesha Patel) again in the theatres after 22 years is a nostalgia trip and that too a good one. Watching the audience erupt with applause and whistles when Sunny Deol shouts 'Hindustan Zindabad' will make you feel it is 2001 all over again. More than anything else 'Gadar 2' is a must-watch for the emotion that 'Gadar' was.
Story: This story of 'Gadar 2' starts from where it was left in the prequel. Tara Singh and Sakina's son have grown up and want to become a hero. Tara, who is as much a patriot now as he was then, is required by the army to fight the enemies at the border and Tara disappears during the war. The family believes Tara is trapped in Pakistan and his son (Utkarsh Sharma) goes to Pakistan to bring him back and is caught by the enemies, Tara then goes to Pakistan again, this time to save his son.
Performances: Sunny Deol knows the genre and creates magic with Tara Singh again. Every time Sunny Paji does a heroic act or deliver a heavy-duty dialogue, the theatre erupts in applause and cheers. Sunny's screen presence and dialogue delivery are as good as it was 22 years ago. Ameesha Patel is charming, and her acting is good. Utkarsh Sharma has done a decent job but has much to learn. Standing against Sunny Deol is a significant feat. Simrat Kaur is good, but her journey has just begun and she sha has a long way to go. Manish Vadhwa, as the villain, has done an outstanding job. How he portrayed the Pakistani general is remarkable, akin to what Amrish Puri did in the prequel.
How is it: This is not just a film, it is an emotion. Whenever Sunny Deol calls Ameesha 'Madamji' you're taken 22 years back. The chemistry between Tara and Sakina is endearing. The first half also delves into Sunny's son's love story, which seems a bit stretched as Gadar is synonymous with Tara Singh and Sakina. But in the second half, when Tara goes to Pakistan and creates a storm, that's when the real fun begins.
Direction: Anil Sharma's direction is good. He maintains the original flavour of the film. However, the first half could have been better.
Music: The music by Mithun is good. The songs blend well with the film's mood.
Overall, Gadar can be a one-time watch. You shouldn't miss the film if you're a Sunny Deol fan, and if you are a fan of ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’, then you have to watch 'Gadar 2' for a trip down memory lane.